In a candid interview, Emma Raducanu opened up about the profound impact her professional tennis career has had on her mental health.
The young British star, who rocketed to fame after winning the 2021 US Open reflected on the challenges that have followed that remarkable achievement. Despite the glory of her Grand Slam victory, Raducanu has since faced a series of setbacks, including injuries and inconsistent performances, which have taken a toll on her psychologically.
Speaking to Marie Claire, Raducanu acknowledged that her greatest failure was her impatience in rushing her recovery from injuries. She admitted that this impatience led to longer recovery times, often doubling the duration she needed to return to form.
“My impatience is one of my biggest failures. I basically rushed the recovery process and delayed my return by many months,” she confessed.
Raducanu also discussed how the pressures of tennis can lead to feelings of panic, especially with the realization that a player’s career might be relatively short. At just 21, she sometimes feels much older, burdened by the pressures of the sport and the expectations placed upon her.
However, she also emphasized the importance of finding balance in life, beyond the tennis court.
“There is a life beyond tennis, and that has to be fundamental for me,” she remarked.
In another interview with Tennis Magazin, Raducanu shared how she has used her difficult period of physical setbacks as an opportunity for personal growth. She spoke about the importance of training smart, rather than just hard, to avoid injuries and maintain her health in the long run.
This approach, she believes, is crucial for sustaining her career and ensuring she can continue to compete at a high level.
Raducanu also reflected on the depth and competitiveness of women’s tennis today, noting how the defensive skills of players have improved significantly since she started her career. Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic and has reassessed her goals for the year.
Rather than focusing solely on playing as many tournaments as possible, she aims to build a strong foundation for the future, both physically and in her game.
Ultimately, Raducanu sees her experiences, both good and bad, as blessings that have provided her with life experiences beyond her years. She remains grateful for the opportunities that her US Open victory has afforded her, particularly the financial security that allows her to focus on her game without the added pressure of financial instability. As she looks ahead, her focus is on long-term development, aiming to emerge stronger and more resilient for the years to come.
